FirstAlt Driver vs RIDS Connect
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FirstAlt Driver
This app guides new drivers through the onboarding process for a driving service. It allows users to create a profile, complete necessary checks, and upload documents digitally, receiving real-time status updates.
- Profile creation
- Digital document upload
- Background and motor vehicle check initiation
- Real-time onboarding status updates
- Paperwork-free process
Read full descriptionHide full description
Designed for drivers, the FirstAlt Driver app, powered by First Student, enables you to get started with your driving journey in a few easy steps: 1. First, you will receive a text from your service provider with a link to download the app 2. Next, download the app 3. From there you will create your profile by entering your mobile phone number and creating a 6-digit pin. You will enter the one-time code to verify your phone number and then will be prompted to enter your basic information 4. Register with FirstAlt. You will be asked to provide your mobile number and 6-digit pin to start the registration process. You will need to provide your address and sign the FirstAlt Driver Acknowledgement form. You will receive a call from First Advantage with instructions to complete your background and motor vehicle checks. 5. Finally, upload the necessary documents. No paperwork. Submit the requested documents via the app and receive real time feedback on your onboarding status.
RIDS Connect
Manage your child's educational trips and related information. This app is designed to help parents and school districts stay organized and informed about children's special needs services.
- Trip management
- Child information management
- Special needs services
- Parental organization
- School district support
Read full descriptionHide full description
Rids is a company with an extensive history of serving children with special needs. We have received accolades and glowing reviews from numerous school district administrations and parents over the last decade. Please use this app to manage your trips, and more importantly, your children.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: RIDS Connect at 5.0 against FirstAlt Driver's 3.7. RIDS Connect also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). FirstAlt Driver's advantage is ratings volume (32 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
RIDS Connect holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FirstAlt Driver has 32 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.
FirstAlt Driver ships an update fortnightly, RIDS Connect every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FirstAlt Driver | RIDS Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (32 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 32 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 123 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Firstgroup America Inc | Rids Brother Company INC |
Customer experience
FirstAlt Driver
RIDS Connect
In-app purchases
FirstAlt Driver
No in-app purchases
RIDS Connect
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FirstAlt Driver free?
Is RIDS Connect free?
Which has better reviews, FirstAlt Driver or RIDS Connect?
Do FirstAlt Driver or RIDS Connect have ads?
Which is updated more often, FirstAlt Driver or RIDS Connect?
Other comparisons
